Monkees legend behind band's biggest hits dies as group issue heartbreaking statement

Bobby Hart, one half of the iconic songwriting partnership Boyce and Hart who created some of The Monkees' most memorable hits, has died at the age of 86.

Bobby, who crafted many of the group's smash-hit songs including I Wanna Be Free and Last Train to Clarksville, passed away at his home in Los Angeles, California, last Wednesday. His death has just been announced as the band and their fans across the world paid tribute to him.

Captioning an Instagram photo carousel that featured photos of Bobby, and him with Tommy, the 1960s pop band - originally formed of Micky Dolenz, 80, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork - wrote: "Very sad news to report: Bobby Hart, the songwriting dynamo who was half of the duo responsible for so many Monkees songs, has died.

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"With partner Tommy Boyce, Bobby penned tracks like I Wanna Be Free, Last Train to Clarksville, the iconic Monkees theme, and so many more, in addition to his solo songwriting career with hits like Hurts So Bad for Little Anthony and the Imperials. He will be remembered for his incredible talent and his innate spirituality."

The statement continued: "Said Bobby: 'It’s interesting and gratifying to look back these many years later and see that the Monkees are still with us, and they’re still being played somewhere ... the records themselves have been staples that have gone on to sell for years and years.

"They still sound pretty fresh, and that we had an opportunity to do a lot of music that was married to visuals, and so, that in itself kinda seems to ensure that they’ll have a life of their own that’ll probably far outlast mine. You will be so missed, Bobby."

Dolenz - who is the only surviving member of The Monkees - also paid tribute to Hart. He said in a statement last night: "Another great is gone. Bobby Hart, who along with Tommy Boyce, penned and produced some of the Monkees’ greatest hit songs.

"Not only made a vital contribution to the popular success of the Monkees, but even more importantly to the essence, the very spirit of the entire venture.

"His talent, charisma, good humor and calmness in the face of what at times was nothing less than a maniacal roller coaster ride often brought a sense of peace that heartened everyone around him. He was the stillness that is the eye of the hurricane."

After Bobby - whose health had been deteriorating since he broke his hip in 2024 - and Boyce stopped working with The Monkees, the duo continued working together. They released the albums Test Patterns and I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonite, as well as appear in sitcoms I Dream of Jeannie and Bewitched.

With their experience in writing the song for The Monkees TV show - which focused on the band members - they penned the theme for the soap opera, Days of Our Lives. In 1994, Boyce died by suicide by gunshot. Hart had been married twice, most recently to singer Mary Ann Hart. He leaves behind two children.

Following the sad news, fans have taken to social media to share heartfelt tributes. One fan penned on X: "RIP Bobby Hart of songwriting/performing duo Boyce and Hart. So many great songs - Monkees theme, Last Train to Clarksville etc."

Another user lamented: "So sad to learn about Bobby Hart this morning," while another added: "Rest in peace Bobby Hart. Reunited once again with Tommy Boyce. Thanks for the wonderful songs, you will always be remembered."

One particularly distraught fan wrote: "What? Nooo. 2025 really sucks rocks. We're losing the great ones daily. Damn. RIP Bobby," while another shared: "Such sad news. He left us with some great songs to keep his spirit alive forever. May Bobby rest in peace."

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